Garmin Fenix 5 Vs Fenix 7: Which Smartwatch Should You Buy In 2023?

If you’re an active person looking for a top-of-the-line multisport GPS smartwatch, you may be trying to decide between the Garmin Fenix 5 and the newer Fenix 7 models.

Both watches pack tons of features into a rugged, premium design, but the Fenix 7 brings noticeable upgrades.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The Garmin Fenix 7 is the clear upgrade pick for most buyers in 2023 due to major improvements like a touchscreen, built-in LED flashlight, multi-band GPS accuracy, enhanced HR sensor, longer battery life, more internal memory, and additional training features.

But the Fenix 5 is still a very capable watch, especially if you find good deals on the Fenix 5 Plus or Fenix 5X models.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which model is right for you.

Design and Display

When it comes to smartwatches, design, and display are key factors to consider before making a purchase.

Both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 offer sleek and stylish designs that cater to fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Size Options

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 come in different size options to accommodate various wrist sizes and preferences.

The Fenix 5 offers a standard 47mm case size, while the Fenix 7 takes it a step further by offering both a 47mm and a larger 51mm case size.

This allows users to choose the size that fits them best, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit during their activities.

Display Technology

Both smartwatches feature Garmin’s renowned display technology, which ensures crisp and clear visuals even in bright sunlight.

The Fenix 5 boasts a vibrant and easy-to-read Chroma Display, while the Fenix 7 takes it up a notch with an upgraded AMOLED display.

The AMOLED display offers deeper blacks and richer colors, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Materials and Durability

When it comes to durability, both the Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 are built to withstand the toughest of conditions.

The Fenix 5 features a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a stainless steel bezel and buttons, while the Fenix 7 takes it a step further with a titanium bezel option.

Both smartwatches are water-resistant and built to military-grade standards, ensuring they can handle any adventure you throw at them.

Buttons vs Touchscreen

One of the key differences between the Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 lies in their user interface.

The Fenix 5 relies primarily on buttons for navigation, providing tactile feedback and ease of use in rugged environments. On the other hand, the Fenix 7 introduces a touchscreen option, offering a more intuitive and interactive user experience.

Whether you prefer the traditional button navigation or the modern touchscreen functionality, both smartwatches offer a seamless user experience.

Color Options

When it comes to personalization, both the Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 offer a range of color options to suit individual preferences.

The Fenix 5 is available in black, silver, and slate gray, while the Fenix 7 expands the color palette with additional options such as titanium gray, rose gold, and carbon gray.

With these color options, users can choose a smartwatch that not only matches their style but also reflects their personality.

Comparison Table:

Features and Sensors

Activity Tracking

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 both excel in activity tracking, allowing you to monitor your steps, calories burned, and distance traveled throughout the day.

They also provide advanced metrics such as VO2 max estimation, which measures your cardiovascular fitness level.

With these smartwatches, you can easily keep track of your daily activity and fitness progress.

GPS and Navigation

When it comes to GPS and navigation, both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 offer highly accurate and reliable tracking.

Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or running through the city streets, these smartwatches will provide detailed maps and navigation instructions to help you reach your destination.

You can confidently explore new routes and never worry about getting lost.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitoring your heart rate is essential for understanding your fitness level and optimizing your workouts.

Both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 feature wrist-based heart rate monitors that provide real-time data.

This allows you to track your heart rate during exercise and throughout the day, giving you valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.

Pulse Ox and Altitude

For outdoor enthusiasts and high-altitude adventurers, the pulse ox and altitude features of the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 are invaluable.

These sensors measure your blood oxygen saturation levels and provide accurate altitude data.

Whether you’re climbing mountains or exploring high-altitude regions, these smartwatches will keep you informed and safe.

Sleep Tracking

A good night’s sleep is crucial for overall well-being, and both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 understand this.

They offer comprehensive sleep-tracking features that analyze your sleep patterns, including deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep stages.

With this information, you can make adjustments to improve the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Stress Tracking

Managing stress is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 come equipped with stress-tracking features that monitor your stress levels throughout the day.

By analyzing heart rate variability data, these smartwatches can provide insights into your stress levels and suggest relaxation techniques to help you find balance in your daily life.

Built-in Sports Apps

Both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 offer a wide range of built-in sports apps to cater to various activities and sports.

Whether you’re into running, cycling, swimming, or even golfing, these smartwatches have you covered.

They provide detailed metrics and performance data specific to each sport, helping you track your progress and improve your performance.

Connected Features

Stay connected on the go with the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7’s connected features.

These smartwatches allow you to receive notifications for calls, texts, emails, and other app alerts right on your wrist.

You can also control music playback, find your phone, and even make contactless payments with Garmin Pay.

Onboard Maps

Both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 come with onboard maps that provide detailed navigation and route planning.

Whether you’re exploring a new city or hiking in the wilderness, these smartwatches will keep you on track with their preloaded maps.

You can easily navigate through unfamiliar territories and discover new places with confidence.

Music Storage

Enjoy your favorite tunes while working out without the need for a phone.

The Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 both offer music storage, allowing you to download and listen to music directly from your smartwatch.

Simply pair your Bluetooth headphones and enjoy your music on the go.

Garmin Pay

Leave your wallet at home and make contactless payments with Garmin Pay.

Both the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 support this convenient feature, allowing you to make purchases with a simple tap of your smartwatch.

Say goodbye to carrying cash or credit cards during your workouts or outdoor adventures.

LED Flashlight

When you find yourself in low-light or emergency situations, the LED flashlight feature of the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 can come in handy.

With just a flick of your wrist, you can activate the built-in flashlight to illuminate your surroundings.

This can be especially useful during nighttime activities or when you need to find your way in dark environments.

Battery Life

When it comes to smartwatches, battery life is a crucial factor to consider. After all, what good is a watch if it constantly needs to be charged?

Let’s compare the battery life of the Garmin Fenix 5 and the Fenix 7 to see which one comes out on top.

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 is known for its impressive battery life. With regular use, it can last up to two weeks on a single charge.

This makes it a great choice for those who are always on the go and don’t want to worry about constantly charging their watch.

Even with GPS mode activated, the Fenix 5 can still last up to 24 hours, which is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or running.

Garmin Fenix 7

The Garmin Fenix 7 has excellent battery life, especially compared to other high-end smartwatches.

In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 18 days on a single charge. In GPS mode, it can last up to 57 hours.

The Garmin Fenix 7 has excellent battery life. With proper care, you can easily get a week or more of use out of a single charge.

It’s important to note that the battery life of a smartwatch can vary depending on usage. Factors such as GPS usage, screen brightness, and notification settings can all impact how long the battery will last.

However, Garmin is known for optimizing its devices to maximize battery efficiency, so you can expect both the Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 to have impressive battery life.

If you want to learn more about Garmin’s battery life claims and specifications, you can visit their official website here.

Price and Value

When it comes to choosing between the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7, one of the most important factors to consider is the price and overall value you will get from your investment.

The Fenix 5 was released a few years ago, and as a result, you can often find it at a lower price compared to the newer Fenix 7 model.

However, it’s essential to assess whether the additional features and improvements offered by the Fenix 7 justify the higher price tag.

Garmin fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 offers an impressive range of features at a more affordable price point. It comes with a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and advanced fitness tracking capabilities.

The Fenix 5 also offers multi-sport functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and hiking.

Additionally, it has a rugged design and is water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Garmin fenix 7

The Garmin Fenix 7, on the other hand, is the newer and more advanced model in the Fenix series. It boasts several upgrades over its predecessor, including improved performance, enhanced battery life, and a larger and more vibrant display.

The Fenix 7 also introduces new features like advanced sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and NFC payment capabilities.

These additions make it a compelling option for individuals who prioritize the latest technology and want the most comprehensive smartwatch experience.

Comparing the Price and Value

It’s important to weigh the price difference between the Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 against the added features and improvements offered by the newer model.

If you’re primarily looking for basic fitness tracking and GPS functionality, the Fenix 5 may be the more cost-effective choice.

However, if you want access to the latest features and technologies, the fenix 7 may be worth the higher price.

Ultimately, the decision between the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 comes down to your individual needs and budget. Consider the specific features that are most important to you and compare the prices between the two models.

It may also be helpful to read reviews and user experiences to get a better understanding of the overall value each smartwatch provides.

For more information on the Garmin Fenix series and other smartwatches, you can visit Garmin’s official website for detailed specifications and pricing.

Verdict: Which Model is Right For You?

When it comes to choosing between the Garmin Fenix 5 and the Fenix 7, the decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Both smartwatches offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences to consider.

Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

If you’re a serious athlete or outdoor enthusiast looking for the latest features and performance metrics, the Fenix 7 may be the better option for you.

However, if you’re looking for a reliable and capable smartwatch at a more affordable price point, the Fenix 5 is still a great choice.

For more information and to make an informed decision, be sure to visit the official Garmin website. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Garmin Fenix 7 brings meaningful upgrades in nearly every category compared to the aging Fenix 5.

It has a better display, longer battery life, more advanced sensors, newer training features, and more onboard memory.

Unless you find a great deal on a Fenix 5 Plus or Fenix 5X, we recommend going with the Fenix 7 for most buyers in 2023. It future-proofs your investment and delivers the ultimate multisport GPS smartwatch experience.

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